Tribute

It is one of the most heartbreaking moments of our lives to announce the passing of Michel Mailloux, our protector, master problem solver, family glue, best friend, teddy bear, and super hero all wrapped up into the form of a deeply devoted Dad, Husband, and Grandpa.

There really isn’t anything we can say to adequately honour such a special life, but here is a little bit about our favourite person:

Michel was born in 1970 to Jean and Celine Mailloux. He spent his childhood in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan alongside his older brother Kevin Mailloux and younger sister Chantal Edwards (Mailloux). When Michel was 17 years old, he moved with his family to La Ronge, Saskatchewan. There he met Bonnie, the person he called his soul mate. He continued to describe her this way up to his very last breath. The pair fell in love as kids, and over the span of the following thirty-eight years, built a beautiful life of love together, hand in hand.

Bonnie and Michel lived life passionately; they loved exploring new places, attending special events, and having Friday night ‘parties for two’. Whatever it was, as long as they were together, they were happy.

The two always had projects on the go. Whereas Mom was the visionary, Dad was the realizer. They found joy together in the small things, whether that be through gardening, growing hot peppers together so Dad could make hot sauce, picking blackberries and making wine or cider, building the world’s largest charcuterie for the neighborhood to enjoy, or spending the day out on the boat soaking in the pace of ‘Island time.’ They were very social and had many friends, whom they loved to spend time with. They loved to host friends and family for occasions or just casual visits, and Michel loved to feed everyone because of his extreme joy for cooking.

Michel discovered his true life’s purpose early, when his first daughter, Erica, made him a Dad. From that point forward, Michel dedicated everything to his family. His second daughter, Jena, was born four years later, completing the trio of ‘his girls’ (Bonnie, Erica, and Jena).

While Michel excelled at many things (he could fix anything you can imagine; he built everything Mom ever wanted), what he was truly best at was being a Dad. From slurpee-and-movie night Fridays, to ski-doo rides and motorhome trips, Dad did it all. He never missed a singing or gymnastics competition, dance recital, or play—tears always in his eyes. At Christmas, Dad would bring us up on the roof to spread reindeer food. If our feet were sore on Halloween, his back was always free for a ride while trick-or-treating.

What will stick with us most, though, is the consistency of his love during the small moments, each day. Dad always made sure we had a warm pair of boots and a giant winter jacket on, perpetually repeating he ‘couldn’t let his girls be cold.’ He spent his time delivering us surprise snacks, building emergency kits for our cars, and listening to us recount the details of our days. His gentle heart was always there to sit with us through tears, and his fiercely protective Dad energy ready to make sure everything would be okay. From kids, all the way into adulthood, Dad was present through every happy and sad moment. He never forgot to remind us how proud he was of the people we became.

When it comes to being a Dad, Michel truly got everything right.

In 2014, Michel became a Grandpa when Erica and Cody started a family of their own. Next to being a Dad, his favorite thing was being a Grandpa. Michel loved his three grandkids, Caleb, Aubrey, and Rylee, more than could ever be described. He wore his ‘grandpa’ shirt with pride, and found so much joy in taking them on the boat, making them treats, and FaceTiming each and every day.

Shortly after Michel’s 53^rd birthday, he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. He spent the following two years doing everything he could to stay with his family, showing strength and courage through multiple surgeries, cancer treatments, and ultimately, in the hardest challenge of finding peace. Michel was brave through his illness, and took the moments he had left to tell us over and over how much he loved us—something we already knew, and never once questioned.

After Dad got sick, our family wrote down some of the thoughts he spoke aloud—a few of which we’d like to share now: “Sticking together is what brings power and strength,” “I am so proud of you,” “Live fully,” “Never stop trying to change the world,” “I will always be with you,” “I will come to you, I promise I will come to you.” Our Dad was such a special person, and close with many; we hope these words bring comfort to those who loved him like us. Whenever you need him, ask, and he will be there. He is not gone, but instead, his spirit has expanded to love and hold us all more profoundly. When a memory of him floods in and brings you joy, know that is him checking in.

A service will not be held at this time, as our family takes space to process our immense grief. A celebration of life may be held later in the spring. Until then, we trust those who had a connection with him to honour his spirit in their own unique way (by baking a beautiful loaf of sourdough bread, enjoying a crab feast, going on a 5k walk, watching the ocean waves, or sharing a toast of Fire and Cane with your closest people, maybe). For our family, we will spend our whole lives trying to love with the type of depth and conviction in which he always loved us.

In honour of Dad, hug your loved ones tight, squeeze them with pride, and soak in all the beauty this life has to offer – that will make him happy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Cowichan Hospice  (https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?)  who provided Dad with amazing physical, emotional, and spiritual care during his toughest days.

Dad also left everyone with a goodbye song. You can listen at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFGs7HP15d4&list=RDtFGs7HP15d4&start_radio=1.